VETERAN’S DAY: THE PLANET REMEMBERS
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY, NOV. 11, 2013) — THE PLANET posts today in honor of Veteran’s Day. We offer this tribute to all who serve, particularly those who served and saw combat — all the men and women, in all times, in every war and conflict. This includes my dad, who fought on the front lines in the U.S. Army as an infantryman, 99th Infantry Division, 394th Regiment, in The Battle of the Bulge. The 394th played a strategic role in turning back Hitler‘s final gamble. He’s now 93, still in good health, still a walking hero, though he has never thought of himself as one.
The 99th’s “Checkerboard” insignia. The blue and white field is taken from the coat of arms of William Pitt, for whom Pittsfield, Mass., is named — thus, the resemblance to the city’s insignia.
From Wikipedia:
“Although cut up and surrounded in part, the 99th was one of the only divisions that did not yield to the German attack, and held their positions until reinforcements arrived.
“The lines were then moved back to form defensive positions east of Elsenborn Ridge on the 19th. Here it held firmly against violent enemy attacks.
“From 21 December 1944 to 30 January 1945, the unit was engaged in aggressive patrolling and reequipping. It attacked toward the Monschau Forest, 1 February, mopping up and patrolling until it was relieved for training and rehabilitation, 13 February.”
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK IMMEDIATELY BELOW FOR A BRIEF TRIBUTE:
Veterans Day Tribute – YouTube
All veterans: We salute you.
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“Lord, bid war’s trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Pittsfield resident.
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
Thanks Dan, from a Navy Vet.
Thank you Dan! Pass I my best to Mr. Valenti a WWII veteran and a member of the, “Greatest Generation”!
All the best to your father.
DV I think your father is a hero. The 394th wasn’t that The Band Of Brothers fame?
dan:
The 394th were made up of ordinary soldier’s who wouldn’t let the German’s get a foothold in Europe after the fall of Paris…the blood they shed kept us all from speaking German as our primary language…your father fought to keep us the land of the free. His pride is in his eyes and in his heart this Veterans Day. Thank him.
GIACOMETTI AND ALL
Thank you so much for these kind words. As I visit with my dad, in his 93rd year, I have the bittersweet feeling of pride of the man who he was and is, and the realistic knowledge that it can’t be much longer for him and my mom. They are both alive and well, 93 and 92, still living independently at home, and this June 7, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. I cannot express the love I feel for both of them, and the sacrifices they made during the war, so that we might have a better life.
Way cool Dan, God bless your parents, Veterans, and pray for those suffering in the world as we speak. Our Veterans are a National Treasure…Never Forget!
Dan my heartfelt congrats on still being able to chat with one of the few left of that era! My father, a WW2 and Korean war vet, would have been 91 last month, unfortunately he passed 6 years ago in July. I know he was proud of my service during a time of relative peace. Vietnam era but after those hostilities ended and before the Middle East became a world issue. I’ve always felt Veterans day was for those before and after me that served in more challenging times. I tip my hat to them all. A thank you is entirely inadequate, but is the best we can muster!